What is the difference between Wisteria sinensis and Wisteria floribunda?

Wisteria is a beautiful climbing plant with a unique stem and impressive clusters of elegant flowers that also smell wonderful!

A wisteria can grow quite large for a small garden, but with the right pruning, it’s easy to keep under control.

There are several types of wisteria. The best known are Wisteria sinensis and Wisteria floribunda.

What is the difference between Wisteria sinensis and Wisteria floribunda?

The most commonly cited difference is that Wisteria sinensis is left-twining and Wisteria floribunda is right-twining.

But for many beginner (and, in fact, quite a few advanced) gardeners, this is hard to spot. However, there are other distinctive differences that are much easier to recognize:

Wisteria sinensis (Chinese wisteria)

Blooms in April
Flowering begins on the bare wood
Most varieties have shorter flower clusters
It often doesn't bloom for the first time until it is 3 years old (as a seedling)
Twists to the left (counterclockwise)

Wisteria floribunda (Japanese wisteria)

Blooms in April–May
Flowering doesn't begin until the plant has already developed leaves
Many varieties have longer flower clusters
It often produces a second bloom around September
It often blooms for the first time (as a seedling) only after 7–10 years
Wrap it clockwise